Recognize The Signs

There is a reason you have smoke detectors in your house and not fire detectors. The smoke is the early warning sign that a fire is likely to occur (or be present). There are other signs that you’ve learned to recognize in your life that have saved you pain, frustration, and regret…

If you see a stray dog dog approaching you baring its teeth, growling and barking — it’s a sign that it’s not friendly and you’re going to get bitten if you’re not careful.

You’re driving on the highway and cruising along at a speed above the limit and you see an oncoming car flash its lights at you — it’s a sign that there is probably a law enforcement vehicle up ahead.

When I was a kid and perhaps not behaving as well as my mother wished me to, she would begin counting… 1… 2… 3… if my siblings and I heard that slow stream of numbers being spoken we knew it was a sign to knock off whatever it was we were doing, or we’d regret it later!

What are the early warning signs that you have learned to recognize in your professional and personal life?

• What are the signs that a prospect is becoming bored and disinterested in your sales pitch?
• What are the signs that a customer isn’t happy with your performance and is about to move to a competitor?
• What are the signs that your car may be on the verge of needing repair?

There are also signs that let you know when things are going well.

• What are the signs that your date is having a great time and is really into you?
• What are the signs you may be getting a promotion at work?
• What are the signs that your big presentation is going well?

The better you get at recognizing the signs (both positive and negative) in your life, the easier it will be to adjust course (or stay the course) in order to better achieve the results you’re looking for.